Blakeman Slams NYC Homeless Conditions in Governor's Race

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, called Manhattan a disaster during a radio appearance Sunday, citing homeless encampments and litter as evidence of urban decline.

"The place is just a disaster," Blakeman said on 77 WABC Radio's "Cats Roundtable," hosted by John Catsimatidis. "It just looks like a third-world country."

Blakeman also criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for canceling a planned hiring of New York City police officers, saying the decision left communities less safe. He accused Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul of overseeing a state that has ranked last for "economic outlook."

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal rejected Blakeman's characterization of the borough. "What's he bloviating on about? This is the fun summer of Manhattan!" Hoylman-Sigal said, adding that crime is at all-time lows in Manhattan.

Hochul campaign spokesperson Ryan Radulovacki also pushed back, saying Hochul has been focused on reducing costs for families, investing in local police and removing illegal guns from the street.

Blakeman faces a significant enrollment disadvantage heading into November. Democrats outnumber Republicans 6 million to 2.8 million in active state voter registration, according to state enrollment data. There are now 3.1 million active registered voters with no party affiliation, outnumbering active registered Republicans.